The True Shepherd

Notes from Meeting 24 July 2012

Picture of Jesus in a field with his sheep. All the very young sheep were jumping and gambolling around him as he stroked each one. They loved him and he loved them.
Jesus asked his flock to follow him. The young followed straight away. The older ones were comfortable eating the lush grass and hedges, still most of them complied, some though were stubborn and carried on eating ignoring their masters call to move.
Some even thought they knew better as this seemed good pasture and they ignored his call.
Jesus called a second time and a few more joined him.
In the distance wolves were moving steadily closer toward them.
Jesus called a third time. All the other sheep were safe with Jesus in the sheepfold. The sheep outside the sheepfold realised they were in  great danger and started to panic and tremble.
Jesus came among them and lifted his crook to the wolves, they turned away and slunk off.
Jesus said "Come follow me, none shall harm my own, I lay down my for my own, if you follow me I will lead you to rich pasture, come my beloved flock, heed my call, be with me the true shepherd".

Matthew 9 v 35- 37
35 Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and all kinds of illness.

36 And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.
37 Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers to his harvest.'

Hebrews 6 v 1-3 
1 Let us leave behind us then all the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to its completion, without going over the fundamental doctrines again: the turning away from dead actions, faith in God,
2 the teaching about baptisms and the laying -- on of hands, about the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgement.
3 This, God willing, is what we propose to do.

Notes of Praise and Intercession meeting 17 July 2012

Picture of the Earth in blue and green surrounded by a black clouds and shadow. A great light appears and disperses the clouds.

Sense of the awesome power of the earth being shaken, moved re-created – disturbed by the power of God

The Empty Tomb  is an earth shattering event  a great light emanates from the tomb and takes us into the heart of the Father

Psalm 148
1 Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for at his command they were created,
6 and he established them for ever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendour is above the earth and the heavens.
14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the Lord

We wonder at the majesty of the created universe, the sun, moon, the earth and the stars and galaxies – the song of the spheres – and yet the greatest part of creation is the heart and soul of man where we can share with God. “Yet you have made him little less than a god” Psalm 8 v 6

City of Gold

A barred and closed door – our praise allows the door to be opened as we co-operate with Jesus’ work of redemption to allow people in.

Jesus' outstretched arms allow people to cross over the chasm to the city of gold.

I sent my disciples out in twos to spread the Good News. As they went out miracles, healings took place. This was before the Holy Spirit came down upon them. My father, your father, empowered them. Then the Spirit came upon them and how much more they achieved. My “Good News” spread across the world!
The Holy Spirit they received is the same Spirit I send to you, like rain falling from the sky. Open your-selves to my Spirit, fill your hearts with my power. Let it overflow from your hearts to others. Then, you too, will see and activate, miracles and healings. People will see my power through you and then they will see my “Good News”.